Mad Scientist
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- Sep 15, 2008
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Jimmy Leeward was killed today when his plane "Galloping Ghost", a modified P-51, crashed during a heat race. Many injuries but no deaths confirmed as of yet aside from the pilot (Update: 3 dead, 56 injured). The plane was probably going 450 mph as it turned on to the front straightaway where the crowds and grandstands are.
From what video I've seen and eye-witness reports I've read, apparently the trim tab on the elevator (which controls how the plane goes up or down) came off and Jimmy Leeward had to fight for control. The plane went upside down over the grand stands and what will probably be remembered as either a miracle or an incredible act of self sacrifice, Jimmy was able to direct his stricken aircraft away from the stands and crash in front of them thus preventing what could have been an even bigger disaster.
The first video is of lesser quality.
[youtube]zusClmg4IQg[/youtube]
Crash is at 3:20
[youtube]qs98xkTIBQU[/youtube]
The plane that crashed was "Galloping Ghost", one of my personal favorites. You will hear reports that the pilot was too old to be doing this sort of thing (74) but Jimmy Leeward has been a pilot and racing for quite a long time.:
Needless to say the races have been canceled for this year and the future of air racing looks to be in doubt. Prayers to those who were killed and all their families.
From what video I've seen and eye-witness reports I've read, apparently the trim tab on the elevator (which controls how the plane goes up or down) came off and Jimmy Leeward had to fight for control. The plane went upside down over the grand stands and what will probably be remembered as either a miracle or an incredible act of self sacrifice, Jimmy was able to direct his stricken aircraft away from the stands and crash in front of them thus preventing what could have been an even bigger disaster.
The first video is of lesser quality.
[youtube]zusClmg4IQg[/youtube]
Crash is at 3:20
[youtube]qs98xkTIBQU[/youtube]
The plane that crashed was "Galloping Ghost", one of my personal favorites. You will hear reports that the pilot was too old to be doing this sort of thing (74) but Jimmy Leeward has been a pilot and racing for quite a long time.:
Needless to say the races have been canceled for this year and the future of air racing looks to be in doubt. Prayers to those who were killed and all their families.
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